Auto Insurance Claims: Hi Richard! I have a question about auto damage and possible injury., 2004 hyundai elantra, hyundai elantra

Question
Hello! Perhaps you can help me. I was stopped at a red light in my 2004 Hyundai Elantra for a good 30 seconds when a 2007 Chevrolet Silverado truck rammed the back of my car. I was pushed foward approximately 10-12 feet into the car ahead of me, bounced off, and rolled backward a couple of feet. The car is repaired now ($4,000 of damage, new bumpers (front and back) new trunk, and the car's structure was pushed in so far that it hit the steel reinforcement beams and buckled them about three inches. It buckled. The insurance company has put the other man at fault for the accident, and now three weeks later I am getting headaches and my neck pain is returning. I have an appointment with the doctor in the next few days.

Sorry to be so long, but here are my two questions: A) How fast was that truck going when he hit me? and B) What are my chances of having whiplash and serious effects from this? Any idea? I'm only 18, I don't want to have neck problems for the rest of my life - but my neck, back, and shoulders are hurting. My hands still hurt from hitting the dashboard (which now has a dent). How fast was this guy goin'?

Answer
Hi Hillary,

Obviously there is no way I can tell you how fast the truck was going. I was not there. However, it is very common to experience neck and back pain after a rear end collision. It will likely take 4 to 10 weeks to go away. You will likely end up going to a chiropractor who will prescribe some streatching excercises and possibly some physical therapy and massages. You should notify the at-fault persons insurance company of your neck and back injuries. They will not pay your medical bills as they are incurred. Instead, they will do a one time lump sum settlement when you have completed all treatment and been released from the doctors care.

You should visit a website called www.collisionwizard.com . This website is produced by the Better Business Bureau Video Series. If only costs $19.99 to register and the site will help you determine the value of your claim, keep track of your treatment and help you write a demand letter and other letters to help you negotiate your settlement properly.

I hope this helps
Richard Hixenbaugh